Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cannot. stop. listening. And yes that warranted three periods. Mates of State is an acquired taste, for sure (consisting primarily of drums and an organ), but they seriously never disappoint. I've been listening to them for a while now, and I love their music and story (husband and wife duo, they quit their day jobs, and now record and tour with their toddlers in tow). The organ is something I specifically love about Mates of State because it's unique, but also because it gives their sound a depth that you wouldn't expect. The vocal blend and harmonies that they pull off is something else I love. I assume that comes easier to spouses in the same way it comes easy to siblings who sing together, etc. Also, if I want to be in a good mood, I put on MOS. Conversely, that doesn't mean that all their music is happy, because it isn't necessarily. I've read a couple reviews that dub MOS almost too sugary to stand, but I disagree. I am the queen of being attracted to depressing music (Tori Amos is my favorite artist of all time, if that doesn't say enough), and I love them. So there. One of the few artists who I can bank on buying their new album on iTunes the day it's released without even giving a listen because I know I'll love it. "Palomino," and "Mistakes" are two of my current favorites form this one.

Sarah Jaffe :: The Way Sound Leaves a Room

One of the many artists I've discovered as a result of having satellite radio. My first favorite of her's was "Clementine"...I wore that song out and still love it. This new EP is amazing. Highly recommend the songs, "The Way Sound Leaves a Room," "When You Rest," and her cover of Drake's "Shut It Down." but I am loving the whole thing. Here's a good review if you're interested. Yay for new music from artists I love!

Kassidy

Very new to me...but I am loving them so far. Heard their song "I Don't Know" on the radio and loved it, then spent thirty minutes thinking I had mistaken their name since they were nowhere to be found on iTunes...then realized it's because they aren't. LAME. They were described on the radio as "Britain's version of Kings of Leon"...which, from what I've heard, is about on point. Maybe a cross between Mumford and Sons, Kings of Leon, and The Avett Brothers? Like I said, they are totally new to me, but if I'm right about that, that's a pretty awesome combination. They're from Scotland...which I also think is awesome (for no real reason). The song I mentioned ("I Don't Know") is pretty much my favorite song right now and it is catchy as hell. I hope we hear more from them soon...and the U.S. iTunes store needs to get on that.

7.have no electricity or no running water?
I think I could live without electricity. In fact, sometimes, I think it would be kind of nice.

8. be a dog or a cat?
Probably a cat. They get to be lazier and don't have to go on walks. Haha.

9. always be hot or always be cold?
That's tough. I guess I'd say hot...I LIKE cold weather, but when I'm bundled up. So I wouldn't want to actually be cold. Hot is miserable, too, though. I'm going with hot.

10. be forced to watch all three High School Musicals on an endless loop, or the Twilight movies?
I think both would suck, but I did at least like the Twilight books...so I could stand that.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day weekend! I had a great one. First NC State game of the year, saw Ross's family and some of mine, and spent all day Monday cleaning *gasp*. And I mean seriously cleaning. Go me! I swear though, weeks that start on Tuesday feel longer than regular ones to me. Not sure why. At this point I'm working four days a week all the time, so it shouldn't be an issue. It's like even though you didn't have to deal with Monday, it isn't letting you get away with having an easier week. File that under things-I-have-no-right-to-complain-about. I know, I'm kind of heading towards late night/tired crazy rambling at this point.

So, we all know I have a small obsession with music before my time (or before my time-ish). Basically, all things 80's and 90's. Lately it's definitely been the 90's, though. One of the bands that would top my list as a 90's favorite AND an all-time favorite would be The Cranberries. I have always loved Dolores O'Riordan, specifically her completely unique voice coupled with that distinct Irish accent. One of my favorite things about their songs is the intricate two-part harmonies in every song (all Dolores). I have bits and pieces of different albums in my iTunes collection, but I've read elsewhere that No Need to Argue is one of those rare albums that you can always pick up and listen to all the way through and love it. I haven't done that, per se, but I can vouch for most the songs. From here, the only place to go is a list. A list of semi-lesser known songs I think you should listen to if you are remotely interested in The Cranberries.

1. No Need to Argue - Love. this. song. One of the saddest relationship-themed songs I have ever heard in my life. So bare and honest. Dolores O'Riordan's vocals+an organ=amazing. Worth sharing lyrics.And I remember all the things we once shared, watching tv movies on the living room armchair, but they say it'll work out fine, was it all a waste of time, cause I knew, I knew I'd lose you.

2. Liar - Featured on the soundtrack for Empire Records

3. Twenty One - One of the few songs off No Need to Argue that I hadn't listened to until recently...currently a favorite.

4. Sunday - I actually owned Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can't We? on tape at some point, and remember rewinding and rewinding so I could listen to this song repeatedly in the car.

5. Free To Decide - from To the Faithful Departed, one of their albums that I'm not so familiar with.

Just a few suggestions. "Linger" holds a special place in my heart, because at the height of my guitar-playing career, I could play that song. yessss. Well, happy Friday, and go enjoy some good 90's music.